Recommendation? EDC Fixed blades: How small is too small?

[Henry Beige]

The 2 1/2” blade on my Anza (6 1/4” OAL)is all I have ever needed. A pocket sheath or crossdraw like Dave Ferry’s would be nice, but this one has always worked without having to hang it on my belt. A Mora works for occasional pocket carry only because it is so light.

 

[Ryanol]

Candiru does all I need on most days. I work in an office so your mileage may vary. As far as handle size I need two fingers and a thumb - that's about it for 99% of the things I cut.

My advice is go small and see if it works. It's lighter, its easier to carry in the pocket and less likely to be left on the desk or in the car.

Too me a four finger handle on a three inch blade is like carrying a subcompact pistol and adding a grip extension - it just don't make sense. Keep small guns and small knives small - that's my motto.

 

[cbach8tw]

Small blade has to be at least 2.5 to 3 inches for me, but I want a good handle fit, does not need to be 4 finger, but a well designed fit makes a big difference in control and comfort. I like the size of neck knives, but most handles are way too short.

I like my LTWK patriot just fine, maybe just a tad too short in the handle. My Enzo necker is a good size too, and I am going to put my Landi PsK in carbon fiber to work to try how I like the thin scales.what got me into smaller fixed blades was Childress neck knives and my Blind horse Maverick cub.

 

[co556guy]

My EDC FB is typically a 4" busse basic 4LE (satin finish).

I also use an ESEE 4 quite often too.

I prefer fixed blades for most tasks over folders. The only reason I really carry a folder is for lighter tasks and when I can't carry the FB (work when I'm in the office).

Although I've been known to throw a 6" into the rotation. Custom IWB kydex sheaths work great for letting you get a bigger knife and have it not freak people out.

 

[Deinos]

Ended up giving the FF Runt a try. Will carry it a couple weeks and see if it sticks. Was a little surprised by the edge (or lack there of...) for a midtech. Have had much cheaper knives come out of the box much sharper...

 

[lieferung]

The smallest fixed blade I ever had was a CRKT Krein Dogfish. I used it when I worked as a stocker and while small and not the most comfortable, it got the job done. After that I'd say my Spyderco Swick models, the blade is around 2.25" but that's really all I need for EDC (boxes, tape, zip ties, etc.). The handle is plenty comfortable. I'm looking at a Giant Mouse GMF1 once they're back in stock, looks like a really nice little EDC fixed blade and Iike the sheath design.

 

[ponykid]

Its probably already been mentioned but if you get a fixed blade with the Perrin style index finger ring you will find you can get away with a very short handle and still have amazingly strong grip and control of the knife. The Brous Blades Silent soldier is a perfect example of this. Don't like most Brous designs but they got it right with that one. I have the warncliff version and other than being a bit too thick its a fantastic knife. wish it came in something better than D2 as well but we cant have everything in life.

these style of knives usually have 1.5-2" blades and I have never been wanting more

 

[ponykid]

The smallest fixed blade I ever had was a CRKT Krein Dogfish. I used it when I worked as a stocker and while small and not the most comfortable, it got the job done. After that I'd say my Spyderco Swick models, the blade is around 2.25" but that's really all I need for EDC (boxes, tape, zip ties, etc.). The handle is plenty comfortable. I'm looking at a Giant Mouse GMF1 once they're back in stock, looks like a really nice little EDC fixed blade and Iike the sheath design.

Spyderco Swick another great knife!!!

 

[madcap_magician]

Ended up giving the FF Runt a try. Will carry it a couple weeks and see if it sticks. Was a little surprised by the edge (or lack there of...) for a midtech. Have had much cheaper knives come out of the box much sharper...

I was also a little disappointed with the out-of-the-box sharpness on the FF production knives. Amazing handles, though.

 

[22-rimfire]

Interesting about FF. With most manufacturers there would be complaints. But FF gets a "shrug". I of course realize that we can sharpen them. I would be more bothered if the edge was asymmetric than just a bit dull. I would just sharpen it up and go on myself.

Small knives will do everything you generally need to do with a knife. It's just a question of getting used to using one.

 

[madcap_magician]

Interesting about FF. With most manufacturers there would be complaints. But FF gets a "shrug". I of course realize that we can sharpen them. I would be more bothered if the edge was asymmetric than just a bit dull. I would just sharpen it up and go on myself.

Small knives will do everything you generally need to do with a knife. It's just a question of getting used to using one.

I am bothered by it, but it's kind of a tradeoff. Few manufacturers do everything I like perfectly, and in the case of FF knives, I like the stainless production knives and their price more than the carbon steel customs. And almost no one does handles as perfectly.